LB 240 eliminates the requirement that an applicant be under 24 years of age to access educational opportunities to meet the self-sufficiency contract and work activity requirement in Aid to Dependent Children.

It also adds the provisions of LB 544, my bill that requires notification of a confirmed diagnosis of bovine trichomoniasis.

LB 553 creates a reduced tier of retirement benefits that applies to all school employees hired on or after June 1, 2013.

LB 595 gives the Public Service Commission authority to study Next-generation 911.

Advanced to Second Round:

LB 23 revises and improves the operation of the provider tax for intermediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities; it includes removing the term “mental retardation” with a contemporary expression “intellectual disability” in state law.

LB 407 changes calculation provisions under the school aid formula – the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act – TEEOSA. TEEOSA distributes equalized aid to schools using an equation that determines the schools' needs, then subtracts their resources.

LB 476 builds on an existing state program, which awards matching grants to qualified companies that offer college internships.

LB 483 would let the state take over an existing inmate parenting program that was created by a nonprofit in 2009. Parents in the program are taught relationship and parenting skills.

LB 522 requires the state to provide financial assistance to irrigation districts affected by the Dept. of Natural Resources' adoption of a regulation prohibiting surface water appropriators from storing or diverting instream flows in order to comply with an interstate compact.

LB 579 allows the Nebraska State Patrol to hire six new patrol officers and, from the Patrol, designate a minimum of six officers who will spend a majority of their time in enforcement of the Nebraska Liquor Control Act.

LB 583 updates the composition of the Climate Assessment Response Committee and provides duties for the committee.

LB 623 increases dollar limits for county bridge construction and road improvements exempt from the formal bidding requirement, from $60,000 to $100,000; increases dollar limits for county bridge construction and road improvement materials exempt from the formal bidding requirement, from $10,000 to $20,000.

Consent calendar bills advanced to second round:

(A portion of the Agenda in which relatively noncontroversial bills are considered and quickly advanced to the next legislative stage.)

LB 435, my bill that authorizes owners to apply a brand registered in another state provided the cattle are purchased at a licensed livestock auction market, the cattle are branded at that location, the cattle are immediately removed from the state, and an out-of-state brand permit is obtained.

LB 281 amends the Angel Investment Tax Credit Act, which helps ensure that money exists early for small businesses and start-ups. It increases the annual cap for credits from $3 million to $5 million for qualified investors.

Sen. Tom Hansen represents Lincoln County in the Nebraska Legislature. He reports every two weeks while the Legislature is in session.